Benefits for a Two-Woman Couple

Maternity benefits

Paternity benefits

Available to the spouse of the woman who gave birth. The spouse must be registered on the act of birth.

Parental benefits

Available to the woman who gave birth, or her spouse if the latter is acknowledged on the act of birth.

The benefits can be shared as the woman who gave birth and her spouse see fit, if the latter is acknowledged on the act of birth.

Adoption benefits

Available to both adoptive spouses.

Two spouses who adopt one or more children can share the benefits as they see fit. However, if only one of the spouses adopts one or more children, the benefits will be paid to the adoptive mother only.

Benefits can be granted to a woman who adopts her spouse’s child.

Type of benefits according to the plan chosen

The table below indicates the maximum number of benefit weeks and percentage of average weekly earnings for each type of benefit, according to the plan chosen.

You must agree with your employer on the time of your leave. The Act respecting labour standards has provisions on leave for family events. For more information, contact the Service des renseignements of the Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) at one of the following number: 1 844 838-0808 (toll free). You can also visit the CNESST website.